Driving support method and driving support device

Abstract

A parking assist unit includes an image processor for setting a reference position of a vehicle, and an image data input unit for inputting image data from a camera provided on the vehicle. The image processor performs rotation processing on the image data to generate recorded data, based on a relative position with respect to the reference position of the vehicle during imaging. In addition, the recorded image data generated is accumulated in a corresponding pixel area within a synthesis memory area. Furthermore, the recorded image data accumulated is used to generate synthesized data, and such synthesized data is shown on a display.

1 . A driving support method for supporting a driving operation of a vehicle, comprising:
 inputting image data from an imaging device provided in the vehicle, and storing recorded data to serve as a reference in an image data storing means;   performing image processing for newly input image data based upon relative data related to the recorded data serving as a reference and the newly input image data, and generating new recorded data therefrom; and   generating driving support image data from the recorded data subjected to image processing, and outputting such driving support image data to a display means.   
   
   
       2 . A driving support device mounted in a vehicle, comprising:
 a position detecting means for detecting a position of the vehicle;   a reference position setting means for setting a reference position of the vehicle;   an image data input means for inputting image data from an imaging device provided in the vehicle;   a first image processing means for performing a geometric conversion with respect to the respective image data, based on a relative position with respect to the reference position of the vehicle during imaging, and for generating recorded data;   an image data storing means for storing the recorded data in a corresponding area within a synthesis memory area;   a second image processing means for generating driving support image data using the respective recorded data; and   an output control means for outputting the driving support image data to a display means.   
   
   
       3 . The driving support device according to  claim 2 , wherein
 the first image processing means performs rotation processing on the respective image data based on a relative position with respect to the reference position of the vehicle.   
   
   
       4 . The driving support device according to  claim 2 , wherein
 the reference position setting means sets a new reference position if a relative position with respect to the reference position falls outside of a predetermined range.   
   
   
       5 . The driving support device according to  claim 2 , wherein
 the reference position setting means sets a new reference position if the vehicle moves a predetermined distance from the reference position.   
   
   
       6 . The driving support device according to  claim 4 , wherein
 the first image processing means performs a geometric conversion for the accumulated recorded data, if the reference position setting means sets a new reference position, in order to align the recorded data with the newly set reference position.   
   
   
       7 . The driving support device according to  claim 5 , wherein
 the first image processing means performs a geometric conversion for the accumulated recorded data, if the reference position setting means sets a new reference position, in order to align the recorded data with the newly set reference position.   
   
   
       8 . The driving support device according to  claim 2 , wherein
 the second image processing means performs rotation processing for the recorded data when the driving support image data is generated, in order to align the recorded data with the position of the vehicle at such time.   
   
   
       9 . The driving support device according to  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a third image processing means for generating the recorded data, wherein the image data inputted is converted into an overhead view.   
   
   
       10 . A driving support device mounted in a vehicle, comprising:
 a position detector for detecting a position of the vehicle;   a reference position setting device for setting a reference position of the vehicle;   an image data input device for inputting image data from an imaging device provided in the vehicle;   a first image processor for performing a geometric conversion with respect to the respective image data, based on a relative position with respect to the reference position of the vehicle during imaging, and for generating recorded data;   an image data storing device for storing the recorded data in a corresponding area within a synthesis memory area;   a second image processor for generating driving support image data using the respective recorded data; and   an output controller for outputting the driving support image data to a display device.   
   
   
       11 . The driving support device according to  claim 10 , wherein
 the first image processor performs rotation processing on the respective image data based on a relative position with respect to the reference position of the vehicle.   
   
   
       12 . The driving support device according to  claim 10 , wherein
 the reference position setting device sets a new reference position if a relative position with respect to the reference position falls outside of a predetermined range.   
   
   
       13 . The driving support device according to  claim 10 , wherein
 the reference position setting device sets a new reference position if the vehicle moves a predetermined distance from the reference position.   
   
   
       14 . The driving support device according to  claim 10 , wherein
 the first image processor performs a geometric conversion for the accumulated recorded data, if the reference position setting device sets a new reference position, in order to align the recorded data with the newly set reference position.   
   
   
       15 . The driving support device according to  claim 10 , wherein
 the first image processor performs a geometric conversion for the accumulated recorded data, if the reference position setting device sets a new reference position, in order to align the recorded data with the newly set reference position.   
   
   
       16 . The driving support device according to  claim 10 , wherein
 the second image processor performs rotation processing for the recorded data when the driving support image data is generated, in order to align the recorded data with the position of the vehicle at such time.   
   
   
       17 . The driving support device according to  claim 10 , further comprising:
 a third image processor for generating the recorded data, wherein the image data inputted is converted into an overhead view.